BAA ANNOUNCED AS A 2017 VTA FINALIST

Builders Academy Australia has been announced as a finalist for the 2017 Victorian Training Awards. The awards highlight those institutions who are the best in their category of training.

Builders Academy Australia (BAA) has been announced as a finalist for the 2017 Victorian Training Awards. The awards, hosted by the Department of Education and Training, recognise the outstanding achievements of training institutions delivering Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs.

As a Registered Training Organisation who provides accredited training for the building and construction industry, Builders Academy offers training for those looking to enter a trade and also those wishes to move into senior roles within the industry or run their own business as a licenced builder.

Established by Simonds Homes in 2005 as a means of training their own staff, Builders Academy Australia has since expanded to provide training to the broader industry with over 5000 successful graduates over the previous two years.

BAA is competing within the Small Training Provider of the Year Award category with the award given to the institution that demonstrates excellence and an outstanding level of quality in their training delivery.

Andrew Shea, CEO of Builders Academy, is excited by the announcement of the institution as a finalist.

“Being part of the Awards is great recognition for the positive impact we continue to have on the Victorian Building and construction workforce,” he said.

“But this is not only an achievement recognising the work of the great staff at Builders Academy, our students also work incredibly hard and without their passion and commitment we would never have come this far.”

“I have no doubt that our continued strong leadership, together with the passion and professionalism of our staff, will ensure we continue our delivery of high quality and accessible training that meets current and future industry needs.”

Builders Academy has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Victorian Training Awards partly due to their emphasis on providing highly accessible learning opportunities. This includes 25 per cent of all BAA Certificate IV and Diploma of Building and Construction students undertake training through a live and interactive Virtual Classroom delivery platform.

Their Virtual Classroom model provides training opportunities for students living in regional areas of Victoria, something Mr Shea said is important for the academy and helps provide training to those who would be otherwise unable to attend a face-to-face session.

“We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to undertake training if that’s where their passion lies,” he said. “Therefore, we take pride in providing interactive learning opportunities for people throughout the state that will aid in them meeting their career ambitions.”

The awards take place on October 11 with the winner then going on to represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards.

Mr Shea said he would be honoured for BAA to represent Victoria in the national awards. “If Builders Academy were to go on to make the Australian awards, I would be very proud – it would be an outstanding achievement and great recognition for our team and their continued focus on giving our students a great experience.”